For Research Scholars
Any scholar who is interested in excavating an archaeological site in India, must refer to the following:
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 (ACT No. 24 of 1958) {For alternate links you can click on the UNESCO site or access Bare Acts or access other legal sources}
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules 1959 {or check out other legal sources}
In order to excavate, one must apply in the correct format to the ASI. The application forms are generally circulated in the month of June or July. Decisions on granting licenses are taken by an expert committee following which applicants are informed of the status of their application. Different rules apply for excavating in protected areas and those which are unprotected, for submitting reports or lists of the antiquities and reports of the excavation, and you can access all the details in the Act. You can refer to the ASI website for further details.